X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of some Cu-Zn alloys

The X-ray photoelectron spectra of Cu 0.9 Zn 0.1 , Cu 0.5 Zn 0.5 and Cu 0.2 Zn 0.8 have been observed using Mg K alpha X-rays. The valence band spectra show that the Cu 3d band narrows and shifts to increasing binding energy relative to the Fermi energy as the Cu is diluted by Zn. The Zn 3d state width is also reduced as the Zn becomes more dilute. These results are suggested to be due to reduction of nearest neighbour 3d overlap.